Time to test out Bloggers mobile app. Here goes.
I'm writing this post from a gate at O'Hare. It kind of struck me as I grabbed a quick bite, just how different my experience today will be from my probable experience in two short weeks.
Today: no traffic getting to the terminal from the airport road outside O'Hare, no line at the security checkpoint, one small carry-on bag, minimal crowds inside the terminal, and a short one hour flight to Pittsburgh. Next time I'm here for an outbound flight it'll be with at least three large suitcases or duffel bags, a carry-on with enough clothes to last a week plus my electronics, and an eight hour flight to London Heathrow followed by a two hour jump to Vienna, for a total travel time somewhere around 16 hours, to land someplace where I don't speak the native language and don't have much or any kind of a support network.
Yeah ... I'm not terrified at all.
I remain wistful for certain things in my personal life, even though I recognize their extreme unlikelihood. Still working to reconcile the intellectual and emotional components that go into these feelings, experiences, and desires. I'd offer to post an update when I have more clarity, but I have no frame of reference as to when that post would occur!
This weekend: NCAA Men's Ice Hockey Frozen Four, with a Pittsburgh Pirates game sandwiched in the middle. I may try out the photo upload features to see how they work. I may post a little about Vienna being delayed or cancelled (what? Another Bombshell? What the heck, Nik? ....... I know, I know, but right now there isn't enough certainty to post about anything so better to say nothing and see what happens). I may just post to ramble aimlessly to the anonymous audience of the interwebs (not that they'd care about my babbling).
Until then, signing off.
UPDATE: I also highly doubt I'll get a free upgrade to First Class going across the pond either. Score!!!
